How to Add Reel to Story on Instagram: A Complete Guide

Which social media platform should YOU focus on in 2025?

Introduction

Navigating the intricate world of Instagram can be a daunting task, particularly for busy professionals seeking to maximize their social media impact with minimal time investment. Sharing Reels on Instagram Stories is a powerful strategy to amplify reach and engage new audiences. This guide outlines the essential steps to seamlessly share Reels, whether they are personally created or sourced from other users.

From selecting the perfect Reel to customizing your Story, and addressing common technical issues, each step is designed to streamline your process and enhance your social media presence effectively. Dive in to discover practical solutions that will transform your Instagram strategy, making it more efficient and impactful.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Reel to Share

Select the video that aligns perfectly with your audience’s interests. This could be your own creation or one from another user. Ensure it’s engaging and relevant, as Reels offer a unique opportunity to reach people who do not already follow you. According to social strategist Shannon McKinstrie, Reels have a higher chance of being shown to new potential followers compared to other Instagram features. This makes them a powerful tool for expanding your reach.

Step 2: Tapping the Share Button

After selecting the Reel, tap the paper airplane icon located underneath the video. This action will display the different options for distribution available.

Step 3: Adding the Reel to Your Instagram Story

To share your reel on your story, choose the ‘Add reel to your story‘ option. ‘This will take you to the narrative editing screen, where you can personalize your content before sharing.’.

Customizing Your Instagram Story with Reels

‘Improve your Story by incorporating interesting features such as text, stickers, or illustrations to your video.’. You also have the flexibility to adjust the element’s placement and size, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your content. This creative control allows you to express yourself uniquely, making your Reels more engaging and appealing to new audiences.

Sharing Someone Else’s Reel to Your Instagram Story

When distributing a video from another user, it’s essential to gain their approval beforehand. This ensures that the original creator receives proper credit, which is essential given the effort put into creating unique content. To post the video to your narrative, follow the same procedures you would for posting any narrative. Mentioning the original creator in your post not only gives them recognition but also guarantees they receive the visibility they merit. Instagram has recently introduced updates to support this practice, where original content is prioritized in recommendations over reposted material, ensuring that creators’ efforts are recognized.

Tips for Sharing Full-Length Reels to Instagram Stories

When creating an Instagram Reel that exceeds 15 seconds, it will be automatically divided into smaller segments. ‘Before distributing, review how these segments appear in your Story to ensure a seamless and engaging presentation.’.

Steps for Creating an Instagram Reel Over 15 Seconds

Common Issues and Solutions

If you encounter issues while distributing, such as the share button not appearing, start by updating the app or restarting your device. Ensure your internet connection is stable. According to social media reports, these simple steps often resolve common sharing problems. If these measures don’t work, check the connection between Facebook and Instagram, especially if you’re using a professional account. Sometimes, reconnecting or refreshing your linked accounts can solve the issue. Additionally, nearly 95% of all internet users are on social media, so maintaining an uninterrupted connection is crucial for engagement.

Steps to Resolve Social Media Sharing Issues

Conclusion

Sharing Reels on Instagram Stories presents a valuable opportunity for busy professionals to enhance their social media presence with minimal time investment. By selecting relevant and engaging content, whether personal or from others, users can significantly broaden their reach and attract new followers. The emphasis on choosing the right Reel underscores the importance of aligning content with audience interests, making this step foundational for successful engagement.

The process of sharing Reels is straightforward, involving a few simple taps. Customization options allow for creative expression, ensuring that Stories not only capture attention but also reflect the user’s unique style. Additionally, sharing someone else’s Reel requires obtaining permission and crediting the original creator, fostering a respectful and collaborative community.

This practice is further supported by Instagram’s algorithm, which prioritizes original content, reinforcing the value of authenticity in social media interactions.

Addressing potential issues, such as app glitches or connectivity problems, is crucial for maintaining an efficient workflow. Simple troubleshooting steps can often resolve these challenges, ensuring a smooth sharing experience. By implementing these strategies, busy professionals can streamline their social media management, effectively leveraging Instagram Reels to enhance engagement and reach without overwhelming their schedules.

Ready to simplify your social media management? Sign up for Glow Social today and let our AI-driven content creation enhance your Instagram presence effortlessly!


Which social media platform should YOU focus on in 2025?

Which social media platform should YOU focus on in 2025?

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